Alcohol Abuse Symptoms: Signs and Warnings

Detecting the Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol is one of the most widely abused substances not only on a national level but on a global scale. This is due to the fact that it is easy to access and it is not illegal to consume for those who are of legal drinking age. Since the substance is so readily available, it puts individuals at high risk of abusing it. Alcohol abuse affects millions of individuals across the nation and alcoholism is a serious disease that requires the professional help of counselors, therapists, and treatment.

In 2018, there were close to 90,000 alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. The early detection of alcohol abuse disorder (AUD) and problem drinking can help mitigate the number of lives that are lost as a result of irresponsible drinking. Through educating ourselves on the warning signs of alcohol abuse, help for these individuals can be recommended so that they can overcome their struggles with alcohol.

Signs and Symptoms

If you suspect that someone you know may be struggling with alcohol abuse, there are various signs to look out for. Some of the common signs of alcohol abuse are:

• Becoming secretive about drinking habits
• Binge drinking when there is alcohol available
• Job loss
• Liquidating money to fund their drinking problem
• Becoming distant with family and friends
• Isolated drinking

Alcohol abuse does not just sneak up one day, rather, it can take years for an individual to develop alcohol abuse disorder or alcoholism. It’s easy to excuse an individual from drinking too much at a social gathering or family get together, but when the habit occurs each and every time, it is an early sign of a much more serious underlying issue. Confronting an individual who you believe has a drinking problem can stop the issue from worsening. While they may be defensive at first, sitting down with them during a time when they are sober can relay the message that help is needed.

Dangers of Alcohol Abuse

Other than being extremely unhealthy, alcohol abuse affects every aspect of your life. Not only will it take a toll on your social life, but it will also take a devasting toll on your mental and physical health. Each and every organ is affected by the overconsumption of alcohol which, in turn, takes a toll on your breathing, your appearance, and your ability to fight off infection, among many other side effects.

The long-term effects of alcohol abuse include irreversible damage to your body and mind such as:

• Never damage
• Tremors
• Depression
• Organ failure
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Neurological damage
• Psoriasis
• Brain damage
• Increased blood pressure
• Alcohol poisoning

The abuse of alcohol can also lead to a very dangerous lifestyle and this lifestyle can cause you to be in a fatal car accident or make you become violent or prone to violence. It will lead you to major legal issues and relationship problems, all of which will eventually cause you difficulty and depression in the near future.

You cannot continue down the dangerous path of alcohol addiction as it will, in time, ruin your life. This is just the reality of alcohol abuse. Treatment is required in order to successfully recover from alcohol abuse and addiction.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.